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Zhang Y, Ma S, Liu Y, Kong F, Zhen Z. Functional integration of anterior insula related to meaning in life and loneliness. J Affect Disord 2023; 338:10-16. [PMID: 37244540 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.05.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meaning in life (MIL), defined as people's feelings of life's meaningfulness, plays a vital role in buffering loneliness - an important indicator of depression and other psychological disorders. Considerable evidence shows that MIL arises from widely distributed brain activity; however, how such activity is functionally integrated and how it influences loneliness is still understudied. METHODS We here examined how the functional integration of brain regions is related to individual MIL based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from the Human Connectome Project (N = 970). RESULTS We found that the global brain connectivity (GBC) of the right anterior insula (rAI) can significantly predict individual MIL. Moreover, mediation analyses were conducted to investigate how the brain influences loneliness with MIL's mediation, which revealed that MIL fully mediates the effect of this hub on loneliness. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the rAI is a key hub for MIL and loneliness. Its functional integration can be used as a biomarker to predict individual MIL and loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Zhang
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Sai Ma
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Youyi Liu
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Kong
- Department of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Zonglei Zhen
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
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Meaning in Life Moderates Relations between Personality and Temperament and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Hospitalized Adolescents. J Youth Adolesc 2022; 51:1622-1635. [PMID: 35478302 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-022-01615-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Previous research indicates that sensation seeking, emotion dysregulation, and impulsivity are predictive of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). A body of research supports that meaning in life predicts improved mental health and well-being, including fewer suicidal thoughts and attempts, yet no research has examined the moderating effects of meaning in life on the relations between personality and temperament and NSSI. Given the growing incidence rates of NSSI among adolescents and the potential lifelong consequences of NSSI, it is imperative to better understand the factors that reduce the rates at which adolescents in a clinical sample engage in NSSI. The present study investigates if the protective factors of meaning in life moderate the relation between personality and temperament variables and NSSI among 126 adolescents (71% female, Mage = 16.1, SD = 1.1, range 13-18, 80% White) residing in an inpatient psychiatric hospital who endorsed NSSI in the last 12 months. Results from hurdle modeling indicate that two subtypes of meaning in life, presence of meaning in life and search for meaning of life, may serve as robust protective factors against engagement in NSSI among a clinical sample of adolescents. Additionally, results suggest that search for meaning, but not presence of meaning in life, variables moderate the relations between personality and temperament and NSSI. Results provide evidence that meaning in life is an understudied variable of importance in understanding how to prevent or treat NSSI. It also underscores the need to develop, refine, and test meaning-making interventions.
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Folker AP, Lauridsen SM, Hegelund ER, Wimmelmann CL, Flensborg-Madsen T. Does meaning protect against loneliness? Exploring empirical studies and theory. Health Promot Int 2021; 36:471-480. [PMID: 32830234 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daaa081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Research indicates that meaning in life is a protective factor for physical and mental health. Although loneliness is increasingly recognized as an important public health concern, no studies have investigated the potential of meaning in life to protect against loneliness. Based on an explorative interdisciplinary research strategy that comprises data from a cohort study, a strategic review of empirical literature and a conceptual analysis of the concept of meaning in life we explore the support for potential links between meaning in life and the protection against loneliness. We propose three different explanatory mechanisms; (i) that meaning in life promotes a positive orientation toward others, (ii) that meaning in life enhances interpersonal appeal and (iii) that meaning in life promotes a better ability to cope with loneliness. Theoretically, we explore the idea that the value of meaning in life ultimately concerns a social need to contribute to the realization of value that, at least in principle, can be shared and recognized by others. When people realize the value of meaning in life, they partake in a community of shared values, which links them to a social world in a way that may protect against the feeling of loneliness. Jointly the analyses point to the need for prospective studies on the role of meaning in life as a protective factor against loneliness and a potential novel focus for loneliness interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Paldam Folker
- Department of Health and Social Context, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Studiestraede 6, Copenhagen K 1455, Denmark
| | - Sigurd Mørk Lauridsen
- Department of Health and Social Context, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Studiestraede 6, Copenhagen K 1455, Denmark
| | - Emilie Rune Hegelund
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, PO Box 2099, Copenhagen K 1014, Denmark
| | - Cathrine Lawaetz Wimmelmann
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, PO Box 2099, Copenhagen K 1014, Denmark
| | - Trine Flensborg-Madsen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, PO Box 2099, Copenhagen K 1014, Denmark
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Aglozo EY, Akotia CS, Osei-Tutu A, Annor F. Spirituality and subjective well-being among Ghanaian older adults: optimism and meaning in life as mediators. Aging Ment Health 2021; 25:306-315. [PMID: 31814428 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2019.1697203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between spirituality and subjective well-being (positive affect, negative affect, and life satisfaction), and whether this relationship is mediated by optimism and meaning in life. METHOD Participants were 235 older adults (≥60 years) conveniently sampled from Ghanaian communities. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the direct and indirect relationships. Sobel test was also used to test specific mediating effects of optimism and meaning in life. RESULTS Spirituality was positively related with positive affect and life satisfaction, but negatively related with negative affect. The SEM results revealed that the relationship between spirituality and subjective well-being was indirect. Sobel test showed that the mediating effect of optimism was only statistically significant for negative affect but not positive affect and life satisfaction. In contrast, the mediating effect of meaning in life was statistically significant for the three components of subjective well-being. CONCLUSION The study has demonstrated that spirituality indirectly influences subjective well-being through optimism and meaning in life. It also showed the relative importance of meaning in life over optimism as a mediator. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Yao Aglozo
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | - Francis Annor
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Russo-Netzer P, Littman-Ovadia H. "Something to Live for": Experiences, Resources, and Personal Strengths in Late Adulthood. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2452. [PMID: 31736839 PMCID: PMC6834683 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to increased life expectancy, the population segment of older adults has grown the fastest. The global phenomenon of population aging raises important questions regarding successful, positive, active, and meaningful aging. Given that aging is often characterized by declines in physical and mental health and increased risk for social isolation and depression, and given that the concept of well-being in old age is both elusive and complex, the present study explored how aging is experienced through a "bottom-up," open-ended approach. Thirty-one in-depth semi-structured personal interviews were conducted with adults aged 60 and above in order to explore the question: what concerns older adults in their day-to-day living, and what are their perceived resources? The findings illuminated three prominent themes: (1) central concerns described by the participants as characterizing their experience at this life stage; (2) strategies employed by the participants to cope with concerns and to live a meaningful life in old age; and (3) resources and character strengths that facilitate coping strategies and enable thriving. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pninit Russo-Netzer
- Department of Counseling and Human Development, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Duppen Rn D, Machielse A, Verté Rn D, Dury S, De Donder L, Consortium DS. Meaning in Life for Socially Frail Older Adults. J Community Health Nurs 2019; 36:65-77. [DOI: 10.1080/07370016.2019.1582160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daan Duppen Rn
- Department Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anja Machielse
- Department Humanism & Philosophy, University for Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dominique Verté Rn
- Department Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah Dury
- Department Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth De Donder
- Department Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - D-Scope Consortium
- Interdisciplinary Research Group (Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Hogent University College, Maastricht University, Universiteit Antwerpen, KU Leuven), Belgium & the Netherlands
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Abstract
Viktor Frankl theorized that an absence of meaning in one’s life can result in boredom and apathy—the “existential vacuum”—and attempts to avoid or “escape” the vacuum can include short-acting distracting behaviors. This study investigated whether the presence of meaning (PM) or the search for meaning are associated with alcohol, drug, and cigarette use by young adults, and whether boredom mediates those relationships. Hundred and seventy-six young adults completed the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and provided information about cigarette and illicit drug use over the preceding year. The results partly support Frankl’s model: higher PM was associated with lower alcohol/other drug use and boredom mediated those relationships, but PM was not related to cigarette smoking. Contrary to Frankl’s model, no relationship was found between search for meaning and alcohol, drug, or cigarette use. This suggests that psychological interventions that assist individuals who use drugs or alcohol to identify meaning or purpose in their lives might reduce levels of drug and alcohol use. The process of searching for meaning may not have substantial direct impact on levels of substance use, but once some meaning was established there may be decreased impetus to continue using drugs and alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Csabonyi
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa J. Phillips
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Siguaw JA, Sheng X, Simpson PM. Biopsychosocial and Retirement Factors Influencing Satisfaction With Life: New Perspectives. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2017; 85:332-353. [PMID: 28042717 DOI: 10.1177/0091415016685833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Founded on expectation confirmation theory and a resource perspective, this research examines the impact of retiree resources, retirement planning, conditions of work exit, and confirmation of retirement expectations on satisfaction with life in retirement. The study of 543 retirees found significant effects of retiree resources (i.e., self-efficacy, health, and income), confirmation of retirement expectations, ageism, retirement planning, and conditions of exit on retirees' satisfaction with life. The study also showed that self-efficacy, activity participation, health, income, ageism, and retirement planning significantly impacted confirmation of retirement expectations, although conditions of exit did not significantly affect confirmation of retirement expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy A Siguaw
- 1 College of Business, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Xiaojing Sheng
- 2 College of Business Administration, The University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley, TX, USA
| | - Penny M Simpson
- 2 College of Business Administration, The University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley, TX, USA
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